The Lighthouse

by Christopher Parker

Pub Date 26 Oct 2021 | Archive Date 26 Oct 2021

Beacon Press Limited

General Fiction (Adult)

 5 Stars

The Lighthouse is a unique mixture general fiction which meets the supernatural genre. Amy and her dad Kevin went to Seabrook for his job but also for a way to spend time together to reconnect their father-daughter relationship. It’s like Amy’s decision of needing sleep to keep her emotions, feelings, anxiety and thoughts of her newly departed mother at bay. Her decision had allowed her to slip into another universe and into Ryan’s world. Their off chance of meeting and spending some time together allowing them to grow close and share certain memories and secrets. This allowed Ryan’s world to break down walls and he could embark on the journey he needs to take. The unique plot opens up plenty of theories and a way for a ranch to be saved and kept going but running with an unexpected start. I love that a reader could journey beside the couple as they heal and open communication between them to be able to read between the lines and to be able to understand and move forward with their life. Certainly unable to put the book down as I was riveted and wanted to learn more on what was happening. I loved reading on what happened to Amy and being reunited with her first love Ryan. Such a unique ending but also a slight cliffhanger ending to which I want to know just a little bit more. The story is about the loss of a parent in a dramatic way so these details might cause a trauma trigger for some readers. The story only shares a minor part of the trauma event but it’s the emotional thoughts and feelings some characters are going through and explain might be the trigger for some readers. The plot also does show on how some people [characters] go to obtain the help or activities to help move forward in their lives. An inspiring story.

#JourneyToSeabrook #NetGalley

I received a complimentary copy of this book from via NetGalley for my honest review of the book The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own thoughts, feelings and viewpoints of the book.

Echoes of War

by Tania Blanchard

Pub Date 29 Sep 2021 | Archive Date 30 Aug 2021

5 Stars

Simon & Schuster Australia

Historical Fiction

The Echoes of War an  Historical Fiction set in Italy which tells the story about Giulia Tallariti, her parents, her siblings, nonna, aunt and community along with other people she has come across in her lifetime. The story tells of what life during “Mussolini’s timeline,” rural Italy during times of Italian wars in Abyssinia, Albania and Africa before WW2 began. I was so engrossed and engaged in the story line that I didn’t want to put it down as I was learning new information regarding Italy, Germany and how they changed sides over halfway through WW2. Reading the story I felt Giulia’s roller coaster ride of emotions and was able to understand what she was feeling each time. While reading I wished that I could have had a similar relationship with my own siblings as she had with her own. I’m glad that I didn’t had a trauma experience from reading but I’d like to caution those who has had childhood trauma regarding sibling, parenting or parent relationship issues even are anxious on reading about war conditions: I would suggest that you might need some help after reading. A great Historical Fiction book which is from stories, sufferings and relationships about Tania’s ancestors and I recommend to readers who like to read books about history, Italian history and WW2.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Simon & Schuster Australia via NetGalley for my honest review of the book The Echoes of War by Tania Blanchard. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own thoughts, feelings and viewpoints of the book.

Basing my thoughts on the first couple of pages, I didn’t seem to enjoy the book due to a very slight slowness as I normally would enjoy reading Blake’s any series of his books but

This book was given to me on behalf of Blake Pierce and in return I write an honest review good or bad. Once I really got into a few chapters I then started to realise that this new series is his writing and story. With realisation instead of reading about another FBI, a Sherlock Holmes wannabe or a detective wannabe I got excited to learn more about this young woman called Ava Gold. Ava Gold is embarking in new territory for women and is on her way of becoming one of the first policewoman as a detective in New York in the roaring 1920’s. I received this book for free from Blake Pierce in exchange for my honest review – good or bad.

Would You Rather…? The Hilarious Game for All Ages

Over 3000 Questions

by Julian Flanders

Pub Date 15 Oct 2021 | Archive Date 07 Nov 2021

Arcturus Publishing

Crafts & Hobbies |  Entertainment |  Teens & YA

5 stars

A great game book certainly for all ages and any group can play. Leave it on the table when having people over for a fun night of games, game night, a dinner party or a Tupperware party, Christmas party or a family get together. A fantastic way to open up conversations or new connections. You can choose out of 17 categories, some are funny, some are a little far fetched, love, sports and games, a deep and meaningful even for anyone who loves the yuck questions.  This book of Would You Rather questions are meant to be hyperthetical to see what yourself would choose and why; answer while others are listening and thinking about their own choice to the question. Let the questions go as long as you can go or use a timer. Certainly a great book to keep handy on the coffee table for a nice and cosy rainy or stormy night or day.

#NetGalley

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Arcturus Publishing via NetGalley for my honest review of the book Would you rather? The Hilarious game for all ages with over 3000 questions by Julian Flanders. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own thoughts, feelings and viewpoints of the book.

Sewing Cozy Craft Projects

Make Adorable Animal Decor, Gifts and Keepsakes

by Olesya Lebedenko

Pub Date 16 Nov 2021 | Archive Date Not set

Fox Chapel Publishing, Landauer Publishing

Crafts & Hobbies

5 stars

Sewing Cozy Craft Projects Make Adorable Animal Décor, Gifts and Keepsakes is a great book for the young and old. Ideal for learners of sewing, knitting, crochet, embroidery and quilting along with other crafts. I’m very happy to see a book with picture icons of the techniques. Tells you what crafts is included, useful tools and equipment that is required to create the projects including a photo of the tools. Contains clear instructions on how to cut out the blocks of fabrics, tips for painting, yarn embellishments, knitting techniques with picture icons demonstrating the technique. Photos of the steps when required so is very useful for a beginner to a casual learner to an experienced sew. Including the templates.

#MiniAnimalMakes #NetGalley.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Fox Chapel Publishing via NetGalley for my honest review of the book Sewing Cozy Craft Projects Make Adorable Animal Décor, Gifts and Keepsakes by Olesya Lebedenko. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own thoughts, feelings and viewpoints of the book.

Crafty Family Ideas

Projects to Make, Things to Bake, and Lots of Homemade(ish) Fun

by Kristen Gambaccini

Pub Date 25 May 2021 | Archive Date 14 Oct 2021

Fox Chapel Publishing

Crafts & Hobbies

4 stars

I would have given 5 stars but certain information I felt was missing. As a mother who loves making crafts I am grateful for the Crafty Family Ideas but I feel like something is missing with the instructions. I love that the recipes list the ingredients but it would be great to know if any cooking equipment or items or utensils are required so the children can help by getting them out of pantry or cupboards. Little picture icons so the children know what they are looking for so the parent is there as a helper or guide I’d the children are unable to read the items or instructions. For the crafts I also noticed that there’s no list of required items so they could be ready to begin the craft. The children could also help by taking the needed items for the craft activity from their craft box. It’s an ideal book of family crafts for a rainy day on days off, weekends or short or long holidays and has all seasonal holiday crafts and cooking. Fun for the whole family young and old to participate in togetherness.

 #CraftyFamilyIdeas #NetGalley

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Dox Chapel Publishing via NetGalley for my honest review of the book Crafty Family Ideas Projects to Make, Things to Bake, and Lots of Homemade(ish) Fun

by Kristen Gambaccini. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own thoughts, feelings and viewpoints of the book.

Big Book of Baby Knits

80+ Garment and Accessory Patterns

by Marie Claire Editions

Pub Date 24 Aug 2021 | Archive Date 20 Oct 2021

Fox Chapel Publishing, Landauer Publishing

Crafts & Hobbies

5 stars for the actual patterns but 4 stars for missing certain information

Big book of baby knits, is a fantastic book filled with baby knitted and crochet items from booties to jumpers, blankets and toys along with other accessories. The patterns are easy to read and understand even for a beginner. Each pattern is correctly noted to contain the sizes, the suitable yarn type, the knitting or crochet needle size in US size but I think the UK size is in brackets, the special stitches that’s used, the pattern follows and lastly how to finish the item or put together. While it’s great to see that in the getting started section has how to do a gauge swatch, choosing the correct size, and of course the measurements for each baby sizing, then the basic stitching guide of crochet and knitting terms, lastly some hints and tips. I’m a little disappointed that for a beginner or someone who’s not good at remembering on how to complete the stitch they are not shown on how to do that particular stitch. Without the how to complete certain stitches in crochet or knitting I would recommend this book to those who learnt and have knowledge and experience in crochet or knitting.

 #LandauerPublishingFoxChapelPublishing #NetGalley

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Fox Chapel Publishing ; Landauer Publishing via NetGalley for my honest review of the book Big Book of Baby Knits 80+ garment and accessory patterns by Marie Claire Editions The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own thoughts, feelings and viewpoints of the book.

The Christmas Quest

by Janet Surette

Pub Date 28 Sep 2021 | Archive Date 29 Oct 2021

B&H Publishing Group (B&H Books, Holman Bibles, B&H Español, and B&H Kids), B&H Kids

Children’s Nonfiction |  Christian |  History

5 stars

A beautiful well written book called The Christmas Quest for readers aged 2-6 to learn alongside the three wise men on their journey following a map of where they can approximately find the new born king. As they journey they come across many things from bandits, desert beasts and bugs to people not knowing where they can find Jesus until they realise follow the star. Quick and fast paced book which teaches children a Bible story of the the wise men who are searching Jesus Christ the King of the Jews. The story has been retold so our young children can read and understand about Christmas and the quest of the wise men. Certainly a book for the young and old to read together before Christmas.

#TheChristmasQuest #NetGalley

I received a complimentary copy of this book from B&H Publishing Group (B&H Books, Holman Bibles, B&H Español, and B&H Kids)via NetGalley for my honest review of the book The Christmas Quest by Janet Surette The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own thoughts, feelings and viewpoints of the book.

The Art of Papercraft

Unique One-Sheet Projects Using Origami, Weaving, Quilling, Pop-Up, and Other Inventive Techniques

by Helen Hiebert

Pub Date 15 Feb 2022 | Archive Date 12 Feb 2022

Storey Publishing, Storey Publishing, LLC

Crafts & Hobbies |  Nonfiction (Adult)

The Art of Papercraft Unique One-Sheet Projects Using Origami, Weaving, Quilling, Pop-Up, and Other Inventive Techniques by Helen Hiebert is a unique book full of paper creations for children to adults. Well designed and the steps are greatly appreciated which encourages anyone from a beginner paper artist to an experienced paper artist. Ideal for those rainy days, family time on the weekends or even to do by oneself or as a group of friends or family during short or long holiday breaks. Envelopes, paper gift  boxes can be created in the correct size to put in your created pieces to send. Instructions that guide you to the correct tools, paper and other much needed equipment or tools to complete the paper art. I’m certainly going to buy the actual book and keeping  on the art, craft and hobbies section of the bookshelf. A paper art book I recommended for any family who loves to create paper art, crafts and hobbies or families who wish to begin a new way to create paper art and interact and communicate in togetherness.

 #TheArtofPapercraft #NetGalley.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Storey Publishing via NetGalley for my honest review of the book Art of Papercraft Unique One-Sheet Projects Using Origami, Weaving, Quilling, Pop-Up, and Other Inventive Techniques by Helen Hiebert. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own thoughts, feelings and viewpoints of the book.